Super 15 insider: Expert picks, round 17 previews

The Blues and Crusaders battle for top spot in the New Zealand conference on Saturday night. Photo / Getty Images

Your complete guide to round 17 of the Super 15.

CHIEFS v HURRICANES

Hamilton, tonight, 7.35

Referee: Steve Walsh

THE MATCH:

Places fourth and fifth in the New Zealand Conference points to bit of a stinker, but this could be anything but. While the teams at the extremities of these shaky isles seem to be hitting the imaginary wall, the Chiefs and Hurricanes are coming home with momentum after a glacial start. Depending on the notoriously vile Hamilton weather, this could be the most entertaining match of the weekend.

WHAT TO WATCH:

It would be fair to say Andrew Hore and Hika Elliot have their noses in front for hooker spots two and three at the World Cup. That's about all they have in common. Watching these two go hammer and tongs should be fun.

TIPS:

Andrew Slack (Wallaby legend) 71/106 71%: Chiefs

Mike Greenaway (Natal Mercury) - 71/106 71%: Chiefs

Dylan Cleaver (NZ Herald) - 70/106 66%: Chiefs

Wynne Gray (NZ Herald) 69/106 65%: Chiefs

Rachel Glucina (Herald on Sunday) 68/106 64%: Chiefs

TAB:

Chiefs $1.60 Hurricanes $2.25

TAB:

Lions $3 Sharks $1.35